OCT 22 -- Benton, IL - Randy G. Massey, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on October 18, 2007, MONTE S. GEARHART, age 38, of Pomona, Illinois, was convicted by a jury in United States District Court in Benton, Illinois. GEARHART was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between February 2002 and September 19, 2006, in Jackson and Union Counties.

The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. GEAHART is set for sentencing on January 24, 2008. Four co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their role in the conspiracy. Another co-conspirator has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and United States Marshals Service pursuant to their participation in the Jackson County Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors are working together to prosecute drug dealers, felons in possession of firearms, and criminals that use firearms to commit violent offenses or drug trafficking offenses in the system that will get them the most time. The Union County Sheriff’s Office also participated in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.